Author: Lisa
CAUTION: For all those who found Kid A to be too eclectic, then I suggest you take a deep breath. Radiohead's fifth album Amnesiac is a fusion of experimental rock and modern classical hypnosis. And, for any doubters as to it's style, it does not reminisce the likes of The Bends. If anything, it is the most complicated and most genius album of theirs to date. Don't get me wrong, Amnesiac is not easy listening. Don't buy the album, sit down with it whilst watching TV, and expect to even remotely like or understand it. This work of art needs its space. It takes much concentration to fully appreciate the insanity and beauty of its content.
From the opening clanging percussion's of "Packed like Sardines in a Crushed Tin Box", Amnesiac plunges the listener into a mystical translation of a persons doubts and fears. Thom Yorke's vulnerable voice reassures an unknown antagonist that he is a "reasonable man". The electric keyboard rezoning throughout the song sends shivers down the spine, as a distorted voice tremors in the background. "Pyramid Song" opens with an engaging piano tune, which slows down the heartbeat following the tension present in "packed". Not until the drums set in does one find complete stability. The seemingly reassuring lyrics such as "We all went to heaven in a little row boat/ there was nothing to fear/Nothing to doubt" still manage to stir panic. The string infused ending, overflowing with minor keys, leaves you unstable and fragile. "Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors" catches you off guard, with a somewhat violent sounding percussionist trance. With not much musical diversity, this track is probably the weakest on the album. But it is immediately forgiven by the genius "You and Whose Army?" As York effortlessly sings provoking lyrics to his enemy, the gentle guitar follows his lead. When the drums and piano find their way into the song, the world, for a brief moment, seems to make sense.
But this logic is broken by the weary opening of "I Might be Wrong." Some have called this next song weak and repetitive. Simply listen to the whole song. Wait for that section near the end, where the beat falls apart, as does the guitar. Listen to Yorke as he whines in pain. Then, I dare you to tell me that it is weak and repetitive. For those of you who still can't accept the new, more daring Radiohead, "Knives Out" is most likely your favorite on the album. The guitar riff is reminiscent of an earlier, Ok Computer sound. The topic of cannibalism has bemused some listeners.
But what can you expect from a genius band? Do you want them to sing about love? And dancing in the street? No. Radiohead actually cover topics such as this because they write about the forbidden, the things that people dare not talk about, the things that people tend to deny. "Morning Bell/Amnesiac" is a different version of the song "Morning Bell" on Kid A. The absence of percussion gives this version a more abstract feel. And no, the line "Cut the kids in half" is not another reference to cannibalism. It relates to the consequences divorce has on a child. Yorke apparently wrote this song after he received a letter from a person who wished that it was Yorke who had drowned and not Jeff Buckley (Listen to his album Grace which has proved to be a masterpiece).
"Dollars and Cents", haunted constantly by a mellow string ensemble in the background, is a fan favorite at Radiohead's acclaimed concerts. "Hunting Bears", while extremely minimalist, follows the emotional roller-coaster of a breakdown. The guitar weeps, as the bass tries to calm it down. No words are needed in this track. The music speaks for itself. The last two tracks on this album are, at the same time, the most unusual and the most beautiful. "Like Spinning Plates" is basically a song played backwards. For those of you who know Hail to the Thief, listen carefully to "I Will". "Like Spinning Plates" is actually "I Will" played backwards. The lyrics in "Plates" reflect neglection. Although many think Yorke's words, just like the music, are played backwards, they are not. They are simply distorted, and if you listen carefully, you can decode it. Yorke nervously speaks: "While you make pretty speeches/ I'm being cut to shreds/You feed me to the lions/ A delicate balance." If the absence of concrete instruments bothers you, then listen to the live version on "I Might Be Wrong".
Amnesiac ends with a Jazz infused "Life in a Glass House." The richness of instruments makes this track the most original. The Best for Last. Radiohead have succeeded in thus creating another masterpiece. They have once again broken new boundaries, by blending experimental, with classical, with rock, with jazz. So, lie down in an empty corner. Turn off the lights. Concentrate. And let Amnesiac devour your common sense.
CAUTION: For all those who found Kid A to be too eclectic, then I suggest you take a deep breath. Radiohead's fifth album Amnesiac is a fusion of experimental rock and modern classical hypnosis. And, for any doubters as to it's style, it does not reminisce the likes of The Bends. If anything, it is the most complicated and most genius album of theirs to date. Don't get me wrong, Amnesiac is not easy listening. Don't buy the album, sit down with it whilst watching TV, and expect to even remotely like or understand it. This work of art needs its space. It takes much concentration to fully appreciate the insanity and beauty of its content.
From the opening clanging percussion's of "Packed like Sardines in a Crushed Tin Box", Amnesiac plunges the listener into a mystical translation of a persons doubts and fears. Thom Yorke's vulnerable voice reassures an unknown antagonist that he is a "reasonable man". The electric keyboard rezoning throughout the song sends shivers down the spine, as a distorted voice tremors in the background. "Pyramid Song" opens with an engaging piano tune, which slows down the heartbeat following the tension present in "packed". Not until the drums set in does one find complete stability. The seemingly reassuring lyrics such as "We all went to heaven in a little row boat/ there was nothing to fear/Nothing to doubt" still manage to stir panic. The string infused ending, overflowing with minor keys, leaves you unstable and fragile. "Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors" catches you off guard, with a somewhat violent sounding percussionist trance. With not much musical diversity, this track is probably the weakest on the album. But it is immediately forgiven by the genius "You and Whose Army?" As York effortlessly sings provoking lyrics to his enemy, the gentle guitar follows his lead. When the drums and piano find their way into the song, the world, for a brief moment, seems to make sense.
But this logic is broken by the weary opening of "I Might be Wrong." Some have called this next song weak and repetitive. Simply listen to the whole song. Wait for that section near the end, where the beat falls apart, as does the guitar. Listen to Yorke as he whines in pain. Then, I dare you to tell me that it is weak and repetitive. For those of you who still can't accept the new, more daring Radiohead, "Knives Out" is most likely your favorite on the album. The guitar riff is reminiscent of an earlier, Ok Computer sound. The topic of cannibalism has bemused some listeners.
But what can you expect from a genius band? Do you want them to sing about love? And dancing in the street? No. Radiohead actually cover topics such as this because they write about the forbidden, the things that people dare not talk about, the things that people tend to deny. "Morning Bell/Amnesiac" is a different version of the song "Morning Bell" on Kid A. The absence of percussion gives this version a more abstract feel. And no, the line "Cut the kids in half" is not another reference to cannibalism. It relates to the consequences divorce has on a child. Yorke apparently wrote this song after he received a letter from a person who wished that it was Yorke who had drowned and not Jeff Buckley (Listen to his album Grace which has proved to be a masterpiece).
"Dollars and Cents", haunted constantly by a mellow string ensemble in the background, is a fan favorite at Radiohead's acclaimed concerts. "Hunting Bears", while extremely minimalist, follows the emotional roller-coaster of a breakdown. The guitar weeps, as the bass tries to calm it down. No words are needed in this track. The music speaks for itself. The last two tracks on this album are, at the same time, the most unusual and the most beautiful. "Like Spinning Plates" is basically a song played backwards. For those of you who know Hail to the Thief, listen carefully to "I Will". "Like Spinning Plates" is actually "I Will" played backwards. The lyrics in "Plates" reflect neglection. Although many think Yorke's words, just like the music, are played backwards, they are not. They are simply distorted, and if you listen carefully, you can decode it. Yorke nervously speaks: "While you make pretty speeches/ I'm being cut to shreds/You feed me to the lions/ A delicate balance." If the absence of concrete instruments bothers you, then listen to the live version on "I Might Be Wrong".
Amnesiac ends with a Jazz infused "Life in a Glass House." The richness of instruments makes this track the most original. The Best for Last. Radiohead have succeeded in thus creating another masterpiece. They have once again broken new boundaries, by blending experimental, with classical, with rock, with jazz. So, lie down in an empty corner. Turn off the lights. Concentrate. And let Amnesiac devour your common sense.
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